Winter bugs return to Herefordshire (From Ledbury Reporter)

Winter bugs return to Herefordshire

9:31am Friday 25th January 2013 in News

WINTER bugs are back, with two new outbreaks identified in the county this week and visitors warned to stay away from hospitals if they are sick.

Visitors to all the county’s hospitals are being asked for their help in tackling the bugs, which can lead to hospital wards being unable to accept any new admissions, NHS staff going off sick and appointments being postponed.

This week’s outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting have been traced to Norovirus and Rotavirus. Both have a devastating effect if they get into a hospital.

Tim Tomlinson, director of service delivery at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “These bugs can pass quickly between visitors, patients and staff.

"We have policies in place to decontaminate ward areas, but these can take a few days to have an impact. Winter is always a busy time for us, and the last thing we need is staff off ill, beds unavailable and appointments being postponed.

“We need people to help us keep our services running as normal by following some really basics steps like washing their hands well after going to the toilet.